Proposed Idaho Highway Could Pull in Billions of Dollars

NAMPA, Idaho (AP) — A study has found that building a north-south route intersecting Interstate 84 in southwest Idaho would connect seven cities and have a $4.2 billion positive economic impact on the area over 25 years and create 33,000 jobs over 30 years. The Idaho Press-Tribune reports in a story published Sunday that the study also found that sales tax generated by new growth along the corridor would pay for the corridor improvements. The project dubbed the Central Valley Expressway would extend State Highway 16 and connect the cities of Nampa, Caldwell, Meridian, Eagle, Star, Middleton and Emmett while relieving pressure on other roads in the area.